Rebecca L. Franco

Rebecca Lynn Franco, 63, passed away after a sudden and unexpected illness on Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Born on March 19, 1957, in Whitesboro, NY, Rebecca was the daughter of the late Frank and Shirley Jane (Keyes) Ross. She is survived by her loving husband of over 35 years, Gerard L. Franco; her children, Andrew (Kim) Houghtaling, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ashley (Joseph) Pizzuti, of Clifton Park, NY; and her grandchildren, Tyler Houghtaling, Giuliana, Joey, and Abigail Pizzuti. She is also survived by extended family and many dear friends. Rebecca will be dearly missed by her cat, Wilma.

Rebecca and Gerard resided in Oxford, NY, until their recent move to Clifton Park, NY. She was a graduate of Whitesboro High School and SUNY Morrisville where she earned a degree in nursing. Rebecca later attended SUNY Oswego to gain her teaching certification. She dedicated her life to healing and teaching. Rebecca worked as a nurse for many years at St. Luke's Hospital until she earned her teaching certification and shifted careers to become a teacher, first teaching Certified Nursing Assistant's, and then to the New Visions program at DCMO BOCES in Norwich.

Yoga was a passion all of her life, and in the early 2000s she became a Kripalu certified yoga instructor. She also taught yoga at the Norwich YMCA. Rebecca recently became a certified Reiki healer, a Medical Intuitive and an Integrated Energy therapist, and was excited to use these talents in her new business, “Celestial Goddess Healing.” She believed in the healing powers of crystals and essential oils and was known to always wear and carry crystals with her. When she wasn't practicing yoga or playing with her grandchildren, she could be found attending psychic fairs, cooking or baking for loved ones, watching “Say Yes to the Dress,” or reading every book ever written about the British Royal Family. An avid reader, she loved spending days on her screen porch reading and listening to her wind chimes. Rebecca looked forward to her cherished yearly trips to Lily Dale where she would attend workshops and meet with mediums and psychics.

Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Callers are asked to enter through the side doors of the funeral home. To ensure the safety of all in attendance, please observe appropriate social distancing and sanitary practices, including facial coverings. Burial will take place in the spring of 2021 at Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin, NY.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the medical staff at St. Peter's Hospital, especially ICU nurses Brittany, Elizabeth, and Krystiana, who took exceptional care of her in her final days. Contributions in Rebecca’s memory may be made to the Oxford Public Library, 8 Fort Hill Park, Oxford, NY 13830 or to the Lily Dale Assembly, 1 Melrose Dr, Lily Dale, NY 14752.